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EEPOETS 



or THE 



^80J.DIER8' MEMORIAL SOCIETY, 



PRESENTED AT ITS 



THIRD ANNUAL MEETING, 



JUNE 11, 1867. 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE .SOCIETY, n r 



BOSTON: 

S3 CH^TJKTCY ST'REE'1\ 

"^^ iser. 



Cnlkins & Goodwin, Printers, 13G Washington Street, Boston. 



\ 



KEPOKTS 



OF THE 



SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL SOCIETY 



PRESENTED AT ITS 



THIRD ANNUAL MEETING, 



JUNE 11, 1867. 



^■^ 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY. 



V 



BOSTON: 

23 GHAUNGY .STREET, 
1867. 









President: 
ARTHUR T. LYMAN, Esq. 

« Vice-Presidents : 

Hon. frank B. FAY, Rev. EDW. N. KIRK, D. D,, 

Hon. MARTIN BRIMMER, Rev. HENRY C. POTTER, D. D., 

Col. H. S. RUSSELL, Rev. ROLLIN NEALE, D. D., 

Gen. CHAS. G. LORING, E. S. TOBEY, Esq. 

Treasurer ; 
JOHN L. EMMONS, Esq. 

Secretary : 
H. E. SCUDDER, Esq. 

Finance Committee : 

JOHN L. EMMONS, Esq., Col. H. S. RUSSELL, 

Rev. ADAMS AYER, WARREN SAWYER, Esq., 

H. E. SCUDDER, Esq., Rev. T. B. FORBUSH, 

P. UPHAM, Esq., J. B. CRAM, Esq., 

Gen. CHAS. G. LORING, Rev. EDW. E. HALE. 

Teachers' Committee : 

A. T. LYMAN, Esq., AUGUSTUS LOWELL, Esq., 

H. E. SCUDDER, Esq., Mrs. HELEN GILSON OSGOOD. 

Executive Committee : 

Gen. CHAS. G. LORING, Rev. S. W. BUSH, 

A. T. LYMAN, Esq., Rev. CHARLES LOWE, 

J. L. EMMONS, Esq., Miss M. WIGGLESWORTH, 

Rev. H. W. FOOTE, Mks. A. HEMENWAY, 

WM. H. REED, Esq., Miss HORATIA WARE. 

Clothing and Supplies: 

Mrs. MANTON EASTBURN, Mrs. BENJ. PICKMAN, 

Mrs. S. T. HOOPER, Mrs. WM. SOHIER, 

Mrs. HELEN GILSON OSGOOD, Miss S. C. WILLIAMS, 
Miss A. WIGGLESWORTH, Miss I. E. LORING, 

Miss E. D. SOUTHWICK. 

Memorial Committee : 

Rev. EDW. E. HALE, Gen. A. B. UNDERWOOD, 

Hon. F. B. FAY, ^ Mrs. WM. SOHIER, 

Gen. CHAS. G. LORING, * Miss S. CABOT. 



SOLDIEES' MEMORIAL S.OCIETY. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS. 

In three successive Reports, which have been printed and cir- 
culated at different periods as the year has passed, the Directors 
have submitted the more important facts regarding the progress 
of the work in their hands. On the present occasion, it is only 
necessary to explain, as far as may be, the general system and 
hope in which we work, — referring to those special reports for 
detail. 

''' The Soldiers' Memorial Society was founded just at the close 
of the war, by men and women who had worked in the army 
and for the army, in the belief that many years would pass by 
before the wounds of the war would be healed, — that there 
would be constant and varied necessity for Christian work here 
in New England for the help of those regions which had been 
ravaged in war, — and that it would be well to keep close the 
ties which had united us in the charities of the war, that we 
might be ready for whatever exigency should still require char- 
ities rendered in a kindred spirit. In this view, we abstained, 
with some care, from limiting the field of our *vork, either by 
entangling alliances with other associations, or by the limita- 
tions of our own constitution. To lift, wherever we could take 
hold, — to succor, wherever we had the means, was our purpose ; 
and our judgment here has been confirmed by our experience. 
The various lines of work which we have undertaken have all 
been such as we could not have laid out beforehand. They 
are such as have been suggested by a kind Providence to large 



heai'ted men and women who have attempted to carry them 
through, — and, as we have learned, of the phms of these hibor- 
ers, we have done our best to assist them. Without making 
promises for the future, we refrain also from binding our- 
selves merely to the specific work we have done in the past. 
Our organization is ready for any duty which may offer which 
the people will give us the means to undertake. / 

This organization consists of the usual officers of a society, 
chosen for keeping up its records and correspondence, and for 
the care of its treasury, — and also of four standing committees. 
One of these — the Committee of Clothing and Supplies — is in 
attendance every day, at the office, by one at least of its mem- 
bers, to receive, and report or act upon, each case of destitution 
or necessity that may be reported. These committees, and the 
officers from the Board of Directors, which meets on the first 
Tuesday of every month to receive the reports of the various 
committees and act on their requisitions, make up our conven- 
ient working system. 

The Treasurer's Ecport, annexed to this Report, will shovv^ 
what sum of money has been entrusted to us for the different 
lines of work we have had in hand. Besides this sum, we have 
been favored by the steady assistance of the Boston Sewing 
Circle, which meets every week in the large and convenient 
room where Ave are now assembled, and joins us In paying the 
rent for it. We have received similar assistance and contribu- 
tions of clothing in very considerable quantities from several 
other organizations, to whom we return our cordial thanks. 
Their specific contributions are acknowledged in the Report of 
the Coumilttee of Clothing and Supplies. 
^ We })roceed to enumerate the various points through the 
South where we have tried to be of use, naming them in geo- 
graphical order : — 

ALEXANDRIA AND PETERSBURG. 

At Alexandria, in Virginia, we have employed Mrs. Parker 
to distribute clothing, and have furnished her with material to 
be made up by poor women there. This lady, who had acquired 



5 



a large experience in her work with the army, is engaged in the 
duties which we know here? as the work of " The Ministry at 
Laro;e." She is referred to bv the officers in charo-e, both of 
the army and of the city, as a person whose judgment may be 
relied upon in the care of the poor. A pressing appeal has 
now come from her for the enlargement of her work, — from 
her account of which we print an extract in the Appendix to 
this Report. We must, in passing, express the hope that some 
friend will enable us to respond favorably to such a call. 

It is true, and natural, that the suggestion sometimes arises 
that such charities as this should be maintained by the people 
of the place ; that they involve local inquiries, are to meet local 
necessities and must be supplied, therefore, at the local charge. 
Supposing that this may be true in the natural condition of 
things, it is however evident, now, that the Southern commu- 
nities are none of them in the natural condition of things. 
They are exhausted by the efforts of an unsuccessful war, — 
in which those resources have been expended which might 
have been sufficient for the service of many years of peace. 
To say, then, that a school in Alexandria must be supported by 
the residents or not at all, is, practically, to say that it shall not 
be supported at all. Yet the time is exactly the time when 
such a school is most needed, — as the same causes which bring 
poverty upon the whole community have so deranged old 
arrangements for labor as to compel many who are wholly 
untrained in it to make their own clothing, if they are to have 
any fit clothing to wear. 

We have made a similar distribution of a small invoice of 
clothing in Petersburg, by the hands of Miss Aikin. 

RICHMOND. 

We have been solicited to establish free and industrial 
schools at Fredericksburg, but have not been able to do so ; 
for we determined, at the very beginning of the year, to con- 
centrate our effort, by Avhatever sacrifice at other points, so as 
to carry forward as rapidly as pos.sible, and on as liberal a scale 
as possible, the free-school system of Richmond. 



6 

Just at the time when our annual report was presented last 
year, we received an earnest request, from the head of the 
Freedmen's Bureau at Richmond, to take in charge the sys- 
tem of schools there known as the Laboratory or Hollywood 
Schools. We had then attempted, as far as we could, to sepa- 
rate our work from that of literary education, supposing that 
there were enough societies which had instruction in letters for 
their only aim to care for such necessities. But a series of com- 
plications at Richmond brought about a request from all parties 
that we would undertake these white schools, and at the annual 
meeting last year authority was given to the Board of Directors 
to do so. 

The details of their great success have been laid before the 
Society in successive special reports. The general view on 
which we have bestowed upon them so much time and money is 
this. Richmond, for so many years the capital of the Confed- 
eracy, is still the city of most influence at the South. The 
substantial establishment of a well-arranged system of public 
schools in that city, open freely to all children of all races and 
conditions, and giving to such children as good instruction as is 
possible anywhere, would at once attract attention, and would 
compel imitation. Such a system would very soon be estab- 
lished in all the other large towns of Virginia. From Virginia, 
also, it would extend itself, almost without effort from the out- 
side, into all the other States which are still proud to take 
pattern from Virginia. 

But such an establishment, either to be studied or to be 
copied, must be large enough to attract attention and extend 
widely enough to answer the general purposes of a free-school 
system. It must provide, in especial, for all the working classes, 
black and white ; for the working men must be taught by it 
that the triumph of free institutions is their triumph, — and that 
they received the greatest blessing possible on the day of the 
final triumph of the National arms. 

In lar<re measure, we believe these results have been secured 
at Richmond, under the arrangements for the completion of 
which our schools are necessary. While the Freedmen's Com- 



mission and other societies maintain enouo-h free schools for the 
education of about four thousand black children, our schools are 
sufficient for the education of near seven hundred white children. 
The aggregate, it is true, is not more than one third, if it is so 
much, of the number of children in the town. But the habit of 
school attendance by all is yet to be formed, — and, in the steady 
increase of the number of schools, there is always kept open the 
hope to those not now provided for that full provision is not 
far off. In proportion, also, as they " wish there were more," 
is their attention turned to the only permanent method of 
sustaining such schools, namely, by the vote of the people 
who ax*e to use them. 

The prime object, never lost sight of by the Directors or by 
the teachers, has been to interest the people of Richmond, prac- 
tically, in a free-school system. With this view, we have spared 
no expense to bring our schools to the highest standard known 
to us. We believe that we have been particularly successful in 
our selection of a corps of teachers. Mr. Washburn, who is at 
the head of the estabhshment, Mrs. Washburn, and the staff of 
ladies employed, have worked at their great duty with an enthu- 
siasm which showed that they understood its importance, and 
with such discretion and steadiness as have commanded success. 
The consequence has been that our schools have received the 
highest commendation from the citizens of Eichmond and from 
strangers visiting that city. Every school has been pressed by 
applicants wishing to attend, far beyond its capacity. On occa- 
sion of the absence of a child for a few days from its seat, there 
has always been some one in waiting to take the coveted privi- 
lege as long as it could be even temporarily secured. We have 
reason to believe that the schools for colored children, which are 
not under our charge, have been kept up to a very high stand- 
ard. The result of this general free education, of a type quite 
diiferent from anything which any other schools in Eichmond 
could exhibit, has been a new and general interest in free public 
instruction among the people of that city. Free public instruc- 
tion is now demanded in the manifestoes of every political 
party ; and we are assured that no measures for the re-adjust- 



inent of the political status of Virginia can succeed which do not 
recognize, as a fundamental necessity, free public instruction. 

We hoped, at the beginning of the course, to provide in 
advance for this public movement in Virginia, by the establish- 
ment of a normal school, for the proper education of teachers. 
Our friends of the Freedmen's Commission have had a sim- 
ilar wish. But the pressure on both societies, for elementary 
instruction, has been too great to enable us fidly to carry out 
our plans. It is with great satisfaction, therefore, that we learn 
that a number of the most intcUigent and far-sighted citizens of 
Richmond have undertaken the establishment of such a school, 
by an organization among themselves, in anticipation of the 
time, which must not be far off, when the city council shall take 
the full charo-e of such an establishment. The Directors recora- 
mend to their successors the most dilio;ent cncourao-ement of 
this promising movement. • 

In all such enterprises as ours, it is to be remembered, that 
the National Government, acting through the Bureau of Freed- 
men and llefuo-ees, is the o-rcat benefactor of the Southern 
States. Our efforts, and those of all the aid societies, are almost 
insignificant, in comparison with the determined and steady 
care,, oversight and assistance rendered by the Nation. It is 
to be understood, therefore, in all that we say of our Richmond 
schools, that, from the beginning, the Government has furnished 
the necessary buildings, has assisted us in furnishing them, has 
given transportation to our teachers, and in every way where 
we have asked the cooperation of the Bureau, has rendered its 
assistance and support to the enterprise we have had in hand. 
We have been especially indebted, in Richmond, to the friendly 
offices of General Brown, who is fortunately at the head of the 
Bureau there. 

At the request of General Brown, made to us in the autumn, 
we assumed the charge of the Orphan Asylum instituted for 
the relief of colored orphans. This establishment hud been 
under the direction of the Society of Friends, who had, at that 
time however, relinquished it. Our fi-iends at AVorcester, in 
this State, undertook the pecuniary charges of this very inter- 



estino; cliaritv. We need not undertake here to enter into the 
details, as to the difficulties of rightly managing it. It is in 
the hands .of a special Committee of our Board, and we trust 
that those difficidties are diminishlno; under their carefol admin- 
istration, and that the temporary need for the establishment is 
lessened daily, as the pacification of the country goes forward. 

HAMPTON, VA. 

« 

In answer to an apj)lication from the head of the Bureau at 
Hampton, for the establishment of a school there, of which a 
j)art of the expense should be borne by the citizens, we sent 
Miss Emma D. and Miss Abby Southwick thither, to establish 
an industrial school and a common school. They have been 
engaged in this work for a few months only, but Avith marked 
success. 

WILMINGTON, N. C. 

In attempting to carry forward the whole system of white 
schools at Kichmond, we at first thought it pi'udent to give up, 
however unwillingly, the promising beginning which we had 
made by Mr. Thurston at Wilmington, that, as we have said, 
we might concentrate our effort at the old capital of the Con- 
federacy. But on urgent representations from the people of 
Wilmington, both of the necessity of the school which we had 
opened and the certainty that, without help fi-om us, it would 
not be resumed, we commissioned Miss Amy Bradley to go to 
Wilmington and to take charge of a part of the pupils in the 
schoolhouse, of which we had secured the use. Miss Bradley 
was also to devote such time and attention as she could to an 
industrial school. She has pressed her work with such energy 
as to secure the cooperation of the people in the enlargement 
of the schoolhouse, — and we have been glad to be able to meet 
her call for two assistant teachers. Their letters give the most 
gratifying accounts of their success. 



10 



harker's island, n. c. 



The work of Miss Bell, at Harker's Island, enlists our hearty 
interest ; and we must hope that larger assistance may be given 
her next year than we have had in our power to give this. On 
an island inhabited by the poorest class of " poor whites," she 
has established herself, resolved, by teaching them to work, by 
teaching their children to read, and by introducing Jiabits of 
industry, order and temperance, that she will lift them out 
of the semi-barbarous condition of sloth and beggary in which 
she found them. Her energy and courage alone deserve all the 
aid we can give to her ; and the remarkable success she has 
already attained shows that her good judgment is equal to her 
energy and courage. We have used such influence as we could 
in inducing others to assist her, and have been able to send to 
her some boxes of clothing. We believe there is no more 
interesting work now in progress in the Southern country. 

CHARLESTON, S. C. 

At Charleston, we have continued the work of the Industrial 
Ro.oms vmder charge of Mrs. Ringgold, who has been, as we 
believe, singularly successful in her charitable labors among the 
destitute, and in her determination to put them in the way of 
caring for themselves. Some friends have contributed some- 
thing for her Poor's Purse, also. 

We forwarded to General Sickles, for the general relief, some 
boxes of clothing ; and were able to meet some other calls 
recommended to us by individuals. 

OTHER POINTS. 

The report of the Committee on Clothing and Supplies shows, 
in detail, what assistance we have been able to render in answer 
to calls from Hendersonville, N. C. ; Pendleton, S. C. ; Savan- 
nah, Ga. ; Port Orange and Gordon, in Florida. These are 
illustrations of the classes of relief and of sufferins; to which it 
is our wish that we may always be able to respond. We believe 
that such an organization as we have formed can attend to them 



11 

more promptly, more intelligently and more economically than 
would be possible if each case of distress had to present its own 
appeal, and secure its own answer from the community. We 
are gratified that we have been able to meet so many calls, 
and we hope that in another year it may be in our power to 
■ meet more. 

THE LOYAL PRESS. 

We had presented to us last year, appeals, in different forms, 
from Fredericksburg, from Richmond, from Wilmington, from 
Savannah, from Augusta, from Florida and from Memphis, 
asking in each case that we would lend our influence and 
assistance for the establishment of loyal newspapers in those 
cities. All these appeals were referred to a sub-committee, and 
this sub-committee conferred with o;entlemen who had taken an 
active part in the management of the Loyal Publication Society. 
This Committee reported to the Directors that this Society could 
not assume any direct part in carrying forward these enterprises. 
But we have been able, in three of the cases referred to, to give 
proper direction and recommendation to the parties most inter- 
ested. In all these cases the desired object has been attained. 
It must be steadily remembered, while we are teaching the 
people of the South to read, that the duty of next importance 
is supplying, at once, the cheap and popular reading which 
they may use to their profit as soon as they have learned 
their lesson. 

COLLEGES AND HIGH SCHOOLS. 

We have received several applications, all of an interesting 
character, to assist colleges and high schools which propose the 
higher education of the people of the Southwest, All of these 
institutions make their claim to us on the ground that they will 
educate teachers who will be of use in educating others. This 
is the only claim they can make, for we have no interest in con- 
tinuing longer the old mistaken system of the South, which 
considered education a boon for the higher classes only, to 
which the poor were not entitled. It is gratifying to observe, 



12 

that in every appeal thus made to us we have full assurance 
that the education of the black as well as the white race is to 
be attended to, and precisely the same facilities given to one 
as to the other. In no case have we made an appropriation for 
any of these schools. But we have examined the testimonials 
carefully which have been presented, and have introduced the 
principals of the schools to such persons as could best assist 
them. Such inquiry, on our part, as to the real designs and 
means of those who seek help in New England, serves one 
important object of our organization. 

HOAVARD INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL AT CAMBRIDGE. 

At the suo-crestion of Miss Anne Lowell, at that tmie an 
active member of our Board, a Committee was appointed, of 
which she was the head, to enter into correspondence with 
officers of the Freedmen's Bureau, in those centres where negro 
laborers most congregated, with reference to systematic arrange- 
ments for the humane transportation of Avonien and children 
from such places to this part of the country. This Committee 
took charge of these arrangements, in concert Avitli the Bureau 
officers, until it appeared advisable to erect the system thus 
founded, into an independent organization, under the name of 
the Howard Industrial School for Colored Women and Girls, 
now successfully established at Cambridge. 

We look on this undertaking as a most valuable instrumen- 
tality in the adjustment of the disturbed condition of affairs. 
AYhile there is great want of labor here, particularly of domestic 
servants, there is an overplus of such labor at the South. It is 
as certain, as that water runs down hill, that the overplus will 
come into the vacant place, where it is needed. Any effort to 
keep it out is like Mrs. Partington's to sweep back the sea. 
The only questions ai-e, whether these poor women and chil- 
dren shall suffer every extortion, as all ignorant emigrants do 
of necessity, and whether employers here must meet great 
inconvenience in obtaining labor, M-hich needs employment ; or 
whether, by as simple arrangement as that made by tlie How- 
ar;l School, women and children shall come here without being 



1-3 

starved and cheated, and employers be able to contract with 
them, Avithout making in each case difficult and complicated 
arrangements for their transportation. 

In closing this Report, the Directors have to renew the 
expression of their hearty thanks to all the teachers and 
other persons employed, to all the sewing societies which 
have cooperated with us, to the contributors to our treasury, 
to the directors of the journals of Boston, Worcester, Provi- 
dence and Lowell, to the officers of the Boston Gas Light 
Company, who for some months gave us our office rent free, 
to the American Tract Society, the Sunday School Union, and 
the Sunday School Society, to the officers of the Freedmen's 
Bureau, and to all other persons who have assisted in the 
work of our Society. From those of small means we have 
received gifts as cheerfully offered as the contributions made 
in larp;er sums. 

Respectffilly submitted, by 

EDW. E. HALE, Secretary, 
June 11, 1867: ^^ 



TREASURER'S REPORT. 



Soldiers' Memorial Society in account with John L. 

Emmons, Treasurer. 



Dr. 



June, 1866. To Cash, Paid for support of Schools at 

Richmond, Va. - - $5,734 84 

" " Schools at Wilmington, N. C, 377 60 

" " Industrial Home, Charleston, 

S. C. - - - 526 00 

" " at other localities at the South 86 96 

" " Clothing and Supply Commit- 

tee, chiefly for forwarding 155 GO 

" " Oflice expenses, salary of agent, 

rent,, printing, travelling, &c. 1 ,076 26 
Balance to credit, on new account, - - 756 86 



$8,713 52 



14 



June, 1866. By Cash, of A. T. Lyman, late Treas., balance 

of account - - - - $11 02 
" Misses Wigglesworth - - - 500 00 
Charles G. Loring - - - 125 00 
" New Bedford Freedmen and White Ref- 
ugees' Society - - - 500 00 
" Walpole, Ms., First Parish Ladies' So- 
ciety, (in part) - - - 250 00 
" Waltham, Ms. - - - - 240 00 
" West Church, Dr. Bartol - - 280 75 
" Rev. Dr. Putnam's Society, Roxbury 237 00 
" Mrs. Pollard - - - - 2 50 
" H. S's subscription, per N. P. Russell 100 00 
" Mrs. U. F. Wolcott - - - 50 00 
" Samuel D. Warren - - - 500 00 
" A. T. Lyman - - - - 100 00 
" Friend, Springfield, Ms. - - . 10 00 
" Miss H. Ware - - - - 5 00 
" Mrs. S. L. Sohicr - • - 50 00 
" Misses Lowell, Roxbury - - 50 00 
" Rev. C. C. Suiter, West Cambridge - 5 00 
H. P. Nichols - - - - 75 00 
" J. J. Low - - - - 20 00 
" Greely S. Curtis - - - 200 00 
" George A. Goddard - - - 50 00 
*' Rev. George Putnam - - - 50 00 
" Miss S. C. Williams - - - 20 00 
" Adams Ayer - - - - 100 00 
" John J. Dixwell - - - 100 00 
*' Henry Callender - - - 50 00 
" Miss Newman - - - - 100 00 
" Francis Amory - - - 50 00 
" Five members Unitarian Society, West 

Cambridge - - - - 47 00 
" E. W. Hooper, Treas. N. E. Branch 
Freedm»n's and Union Conim. in 

full for School building, Richmond 250 00 

AVm. Endicott, Jr. - - - 100 00 

" A friend - - - - 15 00 

Dover, N. H. - - 5 00 

" Henry B. Rogers - - - 100 00 

" Town of Beveriy - - - 164 00 

" Thomas Gaffield - - - 25 00 
" Unitarian Society, West Roxbury, T. 

B. Forbush, pastor - - - 105 20 



Cr. 



15 



Cr. 



1866. By Cash, Rev. C. A. Humphrey, Springfield, Mass. 

Mrs. E. J. Newell - 
" Mrs. J. L. Gray 

" Charles G. Loring, Jr. 

" Johu L. Emmons 

1867. By Cash, S. Austin Harris 

" Mrs. Augustus Hemenway 

" Charles Follen 

" Henry P. Kidder 

" Miss M. G. Chapman 

" A Friend .... 

" Miss Martha Brooks 

" Field, Convers & Alien 

" Dr. E. H. Clarke - 

" Francis H Peabody 

" Friend . . . . 

" J. B. Cram - 

H. S. Russell 
" Mrs. Charles G. Loring 

Mrs. W. S. Whitwell 
" J. Wiley Edmands - 

" A Friend of Southern education 

" H. B. Taylor 

A. G. Farwell & Co. 
" Edward Wyman ... 

" Two Ladies, per H. P. Kidder 

" Theo. Lyman ... 

" Waldo Higginson . . - 

Miss M. A. Wales - 
" Citizens of Littleton, Ms. - 

" William Gray 

C. Wm. Loring 
" John A. Loring ... 

" Augustus Lowell ... 

" John A. Lowell - - - 

" Hollis Street Society, (in part) 

" David L. Webster - 

" John G. Webster . 

" A friend for Southern enlightenment 

" Ladies' Charitable Society, Groton, Ms. 

King's Chapel Society - 795 00 

Less, credited to individuals else- 
where, &c. - - 130 00- 

Misses J. & E. May 



$72 


00 


5 


00 


10 


00 


100 


00 


50 


00 


5 I 


00 


250 


00 


50 


00 


100 


00 


3 


00 


50 


00 


5 


00 


100 


00 


10 


00 


50 


00 


1 


05 


25 


00 


50 


00 


50 


00 


20 


00 


100 


00 


10 


00 


25 


00 


25 


00 


25 


00 


250 


00 


25 


00 


10 


00 


100 


00 


29 


00 


100 


00 


50 


00 


20 


00 


200 


00 


200 


00 


300 


00 


50 


00 


25 


00 


70 


00 


5 


00 


665 


00 


100 


1 00 



]G 



1867. By Cash, Count Sdiwabe 

Church of the Unity, Worcester, (in part) 

A Friend of Southern education 

Mrs. J. A. Lowell - 

Mrs. Manton Eastburn 

Martin Brimmer 

Friends, for Charleston, S. C. 

Sale of three rebel desks 

H. E. Scudder 

John M. Forbes 



Cr. 



June 1, 1867. By balance as per contra 
Boston, 1 June, 1867. 



Note. In this account are not included the share of rent paid by joint-occupants of our rooms, 
not a few small amounts paid to one of the Committees, for specific purposes, and expended by 
them. 



- 


$10 00 


(in part) 


200 


00 


- 


20 


00 


- 


.50 


00 


- 


10 


00 


- 


100 


00 


- 


26 


00 


- 


15 


00 


- 


1.50 


00 


- 


100 


00 








- 


S756 86 


E. E., 






JOHN 


L. EMMONS. 



EEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OX CLOTHING AND 
SUPPLY, FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 11, 1867. 



The Committee on Clothing and Supply report that thej- have 
received 

NEW GARMENTS. 

From the Boston Sewing Circle ----- 3,683 

South Friendly Society, (Rev. E. E. Hale's) - - 224 
Mayhew Society, (Dr. Bartol) for Mrs. Jacob's Hos- 
pital - - - , - - - -42 

Hollis Street Charitable Union - - - - 20 

Ladies of the Channing Circle, Newton Corner - 70 

First Parish in Walpole, (with box of books) - 6 

First Parish in Groton ----- 21 

Ladies of the Asylum, Somerville, prs. socks - - 36 

Watertown and Belmont, through Mrs. Titcomb - o-i 

Three Ladies in Jamaica Plain, for Florida - - 81 

" for the poor of the South," through Mrs. Curtis - 23 

Others -...--. 26 

On hand June 5, 1866, as per report . - - . 1,211 



Total 



5,497 



These have been forwarded for distribution, as follows: — 
To Richmond, Ya., to the Industrial School, under charge of 

Andrew Wasburn, Superintendent of Schools - - 1,303 

Alexandria, Ya., Mrs. M. N. Parker - - - . 425 

Petersburg, Ya., Miss A, Aiken - - . _ 149 

Hampton, Ya., Miss E. D. Southwick - - - 303 
Wilmington, ]^. C, Industrial School, under charge of Miss 

Amy M. Bradley ---... 522 

Harker's Island, K.C., Miss J. S. Bell - - - 201 

Hendersonville, N. C, Mrs. J. H. Allen, for Unionists - 79 

Charleston, S. C, House of Industry, Mrs. M. C. Ringgold - 605 

" " for general relief, through General Sickles 331 

" " for special relief, through Mrs. Boutelle - 22 

Pendleton, S. C, Rev. T. II. Edwards, Orphan Asylum - 243 

Savannah, Ga., Mrs. Jacobs, for hospital - . . 169 

Port Orange, Yolusia Co., Fa., Mrs. E. H. Hawkes - - 191 

Gordon, Fa., Mr. R. James - - - . . 20I 

the sufferers by the fire, at Portland, Me. - - - *686 

On hand, packed ---.-.. 157 



Total 



5,497 



In addition to the above, twelve boxes of clothing have been re- 
ceived and forwarded, unopened, to the various Schools under the 
Superintendence of Mr. Washburn, at Richmond, From the Freedmen 
and White Refugees' Aid Society at jSTew Bedford, to Miss Howard, 
nine; from the Society at Walpole, to Miss Morse, three. 

Also, not included in the abpve list, were numerous bundles or boxes of 
I second-hand clothing, from Sherborn, and other places, many of them 

* sent anonymously. 

They very gratefully acknowledge the receipt of : — 

54 yards blue flannel from Messrs. Dale Bros. & Co. ; 126 1-2 yards 
sheeting, from Messrs. Jordan, Marsh & Co.; 207 1-4 yards sheeting and 
315 3-4 yards calico, from Messrs. J. C. Howe & Co. ; and a large num- 
ber of packing cases from Messrs. Spalding, Hay & Wales. 

From Mrs. Loring, for Florida, 42 yards cotton, 41 calico, groceries, 
books and seeds. From the Boston Sewing Circle, for Charleston, 7 
pieces of cotton, 6 of calico, and from a friend for the same destination, 
one piece of cotton. From Mrs. Lowell, a carpet, and many donations 
of minor impoi'tance from various sources. 

Of another class of gifts that have been of material aid in our educa- 
tional eftbrts at the South, have been: — 

* These garments were made by the ladies of the Boston Sewing Circle, and were sent to 
Portland as soon as the fire of July 4, 1866, took place, at their direction. 

2 



IS 

Three ])oxes of books for Sunday schools, from Dr. Putnam's Society 
through Rev. A. Ayer; one box from the North Church Sunday school, 
Salem; one liox each from Misses Lowell, Mif^s Fette, Eev. Mr. Snow, 
Marshfield. Mr. M. F. Ilunnewell, Eoxbury, from the First Parish in 
Walpole, from the Ladies' Commission, from the South Congregational 
Church, fmiii Ilollis Street Sunday school; three from the Christian 
Register OtMce; and numerous smaller packages. 

Also, from Mr. J. Eumstead, 405 primers and other school-books; 
from Mr. J. L. Shore}'^, 75 school-books and a set of charts; from Messrs. 
Brewer & Tileston, 24 school-books; from Mr. T. O. H.P. Burnham, 64 
school-hooks, and about 250 Sunday school-books; from Messrs. Hoyt 
and Kemp, 2 packages Sunday school-books and cards; from the Bible 
Society, 02 Testaments and 12 copies Gospel of St. John; from the 
American Tract Society, and the Sunday School Society, books and 
papers. These have been used in the various schools established by the 
Society. 

A promiscuous assortment of second hand school-books, received 
from various sources, has been distributed to needy schools in Virginia 
and Georgia. From Count Schwabe we have been favored with some 
fift}^ volumes of books for prizes in the schools. 

The Ladies of the Universalist Church at Arlington have very kind- 
ly aided in making up garments and preparing work for the Sewing 
schools. 

In returning thanks to all who have aided them, and especially to 
the Ladies of the Boston Sewing Circle, the almoners of whose liberal- 
handed charity they have been, the Committee assure the donors that 
their benefactions have succored and blessed a needy and sutfering peo- 
ple, who by these means often have been brought to hold as friends 
those whom they had accounted enemies. In doing a work of charity 
they have helped, in a way not to be misunderstood or undervalued, 
to a solution of the great problem of reconstruction. 

To their own, the Committee can add the thanks of the teachers au5 
ao-ents at the South, who have thus been enabled to alleviate a desti- 
tution very paiijful to witness, and who have found the power of re- 
lievino- physical distress a very important auxiliary in their efforts for 
the education and moral improvement of the people of the South. 

The Committee also report that they have received from several ladies, 
most of whose names appear in the Treasurer's report as contributors 
of larger amounts, the sum of $100, — for objects especially named, 
chiefly for the "'poor fund" of Mrs. Einggold, at Charleston, which 
has been expended as directed. 

For the Committee, 

CHAS. G. LOEING, Jr., Chairvian. 



19 



APPENDIX 



The passages from Eeports and letters, which we copy below, 
will indicate the character of our work in its detail : 

I. Schools at Richmond. 

From letter of Andrew Washburn, Superintendent. 

KiCHMOisrD, Ya., Dec. 1, 1866. 
The down town school is appreciated by the poor already, and the 
opening of the other grades anxiously waited for. Such instances as this 
are of frequent occurrence : a laboring man brought in his two boys 
of about 10 and 12 years, and introduced them as '• two poor boys 
who had not known a day's schooling since the war." He could not 
afford to send them to the pay schools, and there were no others to 
which they could go. This city is full of such. 

From the same. 

EiCHMOND, Va., Jan. 1, 1867. 
I think I see considerable increase of interest in educational matters 
in the city. Our schools are known and quoted often,, but, after the 
true southern spirit, they try to show interest in education in their own 
way. They try to brush up the old " Lancastrian " school, and solicit 
pupils from us and are making strenuous efforts to have this school 
better, or supposed better than ours. We have lost one scholar 
thus far. The Masonic fraternity has just opened a "Free Academy," 
quite near us, likewise. The yeast is working, but the effort is to 
make the old system supply the new demand. It is the old story of 
new wine in old bottles. The question here is, how can the wine be 

saved? 

With the cold weather the calls for charity are multiplied; no day 
passes without a large number from both white and black. The con- 
tributions of the "branches," in addition to supplies received from you, 
enable us to respond in part to some of the most urgent. I have also 
succeeded, in several cases, in obtaining aid from the government, for 



20 

whites as well as blacks. Still there is, and is likely to be, much suf- 
fering, even among the comparatively few Union people here; I mean, 
among those who were Union during the war. 

From the same. 

KiCHMOXD, Va., Jan. 10, 1<SG7. 
I am glad the "Despatch" pleased you. The papers are well dis- 
posed to us. I think, in fact we have quite a constituency here, and are 
getting to be a political jiower. In the schools and in the shops I say 
to all who tell me "the State ought to give us Tree Schools,'" 
"just require of the man you send to the Assembly to pledge himself 
to favor a Free School system." 

From the same. 

EiCHMOND, Va., Jan. 30, 1867. 

"We are now sending awaj^ many from the Lowell School, not being 
able to accommodate all who come. On Monday some fourteen, and 
others yesterday, could not be received. There are a large number 
applying for Church-hill, and I am very sorry that you think another 
teacher doubtful. 

Miss Breck has retained seventy-two in her school, and will feel 
the loss of Miss Parker (who was to be assigned to the new school 
at Church-hill) seriously. I do hope for another teacher. 

From, the same. 

EiCHMOXD, Va., Feb. 1, 1867. 
Church-hill comes on finely, but takes all my time and will for 
a few days. School will commence there on Monday next. I think we 
shall be quite full there very soon. There will be a large Union element 
in the school. I shall take first the children of the " Union Kefugees " 
and then fill up in order of application. 

From the same. 

RiCHMOXD, Va., March 7, 1867. 

We endeavor to turn the public attention to the importance of gen- 
eral education, and our schools are an acknowledged centre of influence 
in favor of a Public School system. 

Our work is well received. The schools are full, with long lists of 
applicants waiting for admission; and many and earnest petitions are 
received asking for schools at other points in the city, and through 
the State. 

The Richmond "press" has never given us an unfavorable criti- 
cism. 



21 

From the same. 

KiCHMOND, Va., March 27, 18G7. 

I am glad to receive the sujiplies, both because they relieve actual 
suffering, and because also it gives influence and power to our en- 
deavors educationally. 

I have never been^so besieged as at present, by those asking aid to 
get work, or rations, or clothing, or transportation to where work may 
be obtained. 

From the same. 

EiCHMOND, Va., June 3, 1867. 

It is of the utmost importance that we keep up our work until the 
new order of things in Virginia is fixed. Jfow is the formative time. 
The next year will settle the principles, and the next following the prac- 
tice of the new regime, and then our work is done, and the status of 
Virginia is fixed for a generation at least. 

"We look to the presence of our schools, moi-e than to any single 
means, to turn hatred into love, and to put in place of the old disregard 
of the education of the masses, and their consequent deplorable igno- 
rance, a system by which the State shall assume the responsibility to 
educate her every child. 

Letter from Mrs. E. G. Washburn. 

EiCHMOND, Va., Jan. 8, 1867. 

To-day I have had my first Sewing School. The children and their 
parents have manifested much interest in this, and although in the 
midst of a regular IST. E. snowstorm, a very fair attendance cheered 
my first attempt. We have Miss Haskell's school-room, and a very 
light pleasant room it is. "We can see to work until nearly five o'clock. 
We shall meet each afternoon except Wednesday and Saturday. I 
invite them to bring their own work, just as far as possible. After 
finding out the resources of a particular family, I proposed to one to 
make a bed quilt, another to learn to meiicZ or darn. Some few have 
haudkei'chiefs to hem, or new garments to make. I want all to feel it 
a school for instruction rather than charity. Some come without any 
work, and for these I provided, by heljD of a donation received from 
Waltham, of twenty yards of cloth, thread and needles. 

Mr. Washburn says, the enterprise must not be expensive, and I 
can't see why it need be. There may be cases where I shall wish to 
set a little girl to making patchwork, or even garments, who can't find 
the material, and who had better have the squares when finished, or the 
garment because she needs it, rather than because she made it, but I 
shall endeavor to fit the children just as far as may be, for every day 
work, by encouraging them to bring of the family work as it comes 
along from day to day. 



22 

Here let me acknowledge the receipt of the much longed for box 
sent by you. I had many waiting and shivering for the arrival of the 
clothing. The books are splendid^ real readable books; we were de- 
lighted with them, and the Sabbath school rejoiced over them in a way 
that was very pleasant to see. 

# 
From the same. 

EiCHMOKD, Va., Feb. 1.5, 1867. 

The Sewing School is a success in every sense of the word: I don't 
know what I could wish to have different about it, unless it is more in- 
structors. ' It numbers ninety different pupils, and ever?/ day we have 
between fifty and sixty present. 

I find that all bring work who have anything to bring, but there are 
a good many who have nothing unless I give it to them. All this time 
we have used thread, etc., that came from Waltham, but these were 
nearly exhausted when relief came from you. The same day I also 
received a quantity of cloth and a dress pattern from Waltham. Peo- 
ple do respond wonderfully to calls made by us, and I feel now that I 
can see the way clear in the Sewing school for the j^resent. The parents 
are much interested in the school — some have even gone so far as to 
ask if they could not come; but the children require every moment of 
the time, and must have it. "We must teach them thrift, taste, economy, 
ingenuity, and, most of all, neatness.- 

I like to make the school as cheerful as possible, and so, (for instance,) 
last Friday afternoon, as I had but little help I thought to vary the 
employment of the last half hour, I would have them sing and invite 
Miss Breck's drawing class of boys to hear them. The girls have been 
trained by Miss Foster and sing sweetly. We sent our compliments to 
Miss B. and her class, and after a little amusing delay, occasioned by 
the young lads making as fine a toilet as they could with washing their 
hands and fiices, and brushing their hair, Miss B. marshalled them in. 
They were exceedingly flustered at first, but soon recovered. I asked 
them during the exercise if they would prefer any particular piece — 
my immediate answer was, " The red, white and blue." It wAs well 
and spiritedly rendered, and every thing passed off very pleasantly. 

This may seem of little account to you, but I can see good effects from 
meeting in this way upon the manners of the children. 

From Miss Sarah E. Foster. 

Richmond, Va., Nov, .3, 180G. 

I had hardly been in the city twenty-four hours ere a little girl, and 
one of my former pupils, and who followed me to the station when I 
left Richmond, found my whereabouts. 

It was really touching to witness her manifestations of delight at 



23 

meeting me again. The tears rolling down her cheeks, and sobl.iing 
out her words of welcome. I felt, if she were the only one to wel- 
come me, I was well repaid for all the sacrifice in coming again. 

She spread the news that Teacher had come, and I could hardly find 
time to unpack my trunk, for receiving the calls of the dear children. 

I could hardly believe they had waited and watched so anxiously for 
my return, as it appeared from their conversation. 

One girl who was out at service, for '■Maw'' needed her wages, she said, 
came with the child who is under her care, and assured me she would 
come to school if jiossible, when the month was up. 

One of the elder girls, and a perfect treasure in school, came with a 
beautiful bunch of roses, and offered them with so much affection beam- 
ing in her eyes that I could hardly tell which was the more beautiful, 
the flowers or the giver. 

The parents have called upon me, and assured me of their gratitude 
for what is being done for their children, and I find that Hollywood 
Free Schools, are becoming an institution. 

From the same. 

KiCHMOXD, Ya., Dec. 12, 1866. 

By visiting these people in their troubles and sorrows we gain their 
affection and gratitude, and the pleasure they manifest, and the great 
respect with which we are treated, show that they do appreciate Avhat 
we are doing. I am sure they are grateful, both for the schools, and for 
what we can do in supplying their temporal wants. 

I called upon a lady who sends two bright eyed girls to my school. 
She applied to us for clothing and food last winter, and we did all we 
could for her. She is a sister of the Hon. * * * * formerly mem- 
ber of Congress from Va., and has evidently seen better days. In 
thanking me for the interest I had taken in her children, she said, " If 
I had all the money I want, I would send my children to free schools; 
you take so much more pains with them than they do at pay schools." 

These expressions we hear from all quarters, and they are certainly 
encouraging to us, and I feel that our schools are gaining a firmer foot- 
hold on Virginia soil every day. 

[Speaking of Mr. S. D. Warren, who pays her salary, she says:] — He 
visited Richmond last Avinter, and both teacher and scholars have reason 
to remember the visit with deep gratitude. The teacher for the encour- 
aging words he gave her, and the children for the very liberal manner 
in which he remembered their wants. 

We rally under the name of the Warren School, and I feel that the 
children will yet do honor to the name that breathes of N'ew England's 
patriotism and devotion. 



24 

From Miss Sarah E. Haskell. 

EiCHMOND, Ya., Feb. 1, 1867. 

We receive a hearty welcome in the homes of the^e children. It is in 
this way that we may read them aright. The parents express many 
thaulvs for the privilege, as they term it, of placing their children under 
our care. 

One old lady, upon whom I recently called, inquired how the teachers 
of the free schools were supported — if it was not done by the city? 
Upon being told that their maintenance was due to the benevolence of 
friends at the JSforth, her gratitude knew no bounds. She said that it 
was mUjhttj good of the North to take so much interest in the poor 
Southerners. The North had always been better to her than the South, 
as she expressed it. 

From Miss Behecca BrecJc. 

EiciiMOND, Va., ]^ov. 16, 1866. 
On the day of our removal from Hollywood, I went to the old school- 
room to meet the boys, that we might take leave of it cheerfully, with 
songs. There was an old woodcut of Gen. Grant upon the wall. The 
boys i^roposed to take it down and transfer it to our new school-room ; 
I liked little to interfere with their partiality for Gen. Grant, but still 
less that the walls of my school-room should be disfigured by so bad a 
likeness of him; so I told them, that we would leave it where it hung, 
and have a good one for our new school-room. Let some of our friends , 
at the North make my promise good, I beg. One day, as I passed the 
desk of a pupil, I noticed that he put his hand over a picture upon 
his slate; '' Let me look at it," I said. He removed his hand and dis- 
played, with some pride, a rude drawing of the United States flag. 
•' How many stars have you there?" I asked. '■ The confederate flag 
has seven," said he. " Is that your flag?" I asked. '' No," he answered 
proudly, " mine has thirty-six." 

From the same. 

KiCHMOXD, Va., March 3, 1867. 
The lloinan Catholic priests* have forbidden the children of their 
Church to attend Protestant schools. If the children obey them, as 
many of them will, of course, we shall lose many pupils. Some of the 
parents are very indifferent to the threats of the priests, and others, who 
are really sincere in their religious faith, hesitate about removing their 
children from school. One little girl, in Miss IlaskelFs room, entreated so 
persistently for permission to remain with Miss Haskell, rather than go 
to the " Sisters " for instruction, that her father was led to consider the 
comparative amount and value of information gained at the two schools- 
He questioned her concerning her studies, and at the end of the exami- 



25 

natiou declared that she had learned more in a month with Miss H. than 
she would have learned in a year at the Sisters' School. Still, he did 
not dare disobey the jjriests; yet poor Katy, though in great trouble 
at the thought of leaving her beloved teacher, still cherishes a faint 
hope that her father may " break his mind," as she exj)resses it. 

From Miss Jennie E. Howard. 

Richmond, Va., Jan. 30, 1867. 

There is a great need of more teachers here, — the people seem waking 
up to the advantage and necessity of free schools here; and many 
seek admission, but are obliged to be turned away, for want of room. 

In my division, I have a class of more than thirty, who read in the 
Second Reader, study Mental Arithmetic and Geography, I was a little 
astonished that I should become so much attached to these children, 
but there is such a warmth of feeling, such an eager, earnest desire to 
com^jly with requirements, that one cannot help feeling intensely inter- 
ested in them. I think I may be the more particularly struck with this 
manifestation on their part, as I had been led to indulge in expecta- 
tions far to the contrary. 

In visiting among the families of our pupils, we meet with many 
pleasing incidents, frequently with a stanch Union family, which I as- 
sure you is very cheering, — for friendly words are doubly prized here, 
even though they may come from the poorest, and apparently the most 
forsaken of earth's children. 

From Miss M. A. Parker. 

Richmond, Va., Jan. 28, 1867. 
Poverty seems to be a great obstacle in the way of improvement, in 
the school-room, and it certainly is in the homes of our pupils. They 
come to us thinly clad, with pale, pinched faces — suftering, I know, 



from hunger and cold. 



From the same. 



Richmond, Ya., June 3, 1867. 

There has been a great deal of sickness among our pupils, during the 
past winter, in consequence of exposure to the weather. They persist 
in coming to school through long dreary storms, when poorly clad, and 
with insufficient covering for the feet. Their interest during the warm 
weather does not diminish. Many children, who a year ago knew little 
or nothing of books, have learned to read intelligently, write legibly, if 
not handsomely; and have mastered the fundamental rules of arith- 
metic. The influence for good of the schools, upon the morals of the 
pupils, is very great. 

Nolo a lie is considered a mean thing, and a boy who brings tobacco 
to school is frowned upon by all his comrades. The code of honor, of 



26 

the Grammar School, has been brought up to a high standard, by 
Miss Breck's never failing patience and faithfulness. One boy who 
would cling to old habits, and tried to distract the attention of his neigh- 
bors from their studies, was ignored by every boy of his class, till he 
concluded that no one but himself was injured by his foolishness. He 
then changed his course and behaved properly. 

Fro7n Hiss E. G. Stanwood. 

EiCHMOND, Ya., June 1, 1867. 

I beg leave to submit to you the following report of the Church-hill 
Schools, for the month just ended. The whole number of pupils has 
been one hundred and eight. Seven have left school, and we enter on 
the present month with one hundred and one. 

I wrote in my last that I had a list of about sixty applicants whom I 
could not admit. There have not been many additions to it during the last 
month, it being well understood that I have no more room. One boy, 
Mosell Stutz, whose name was put down long ago, has for the last 
three weeks presented himself almost every day for admission. A few 
days since, his mother sent word she would pay his tuition if I would 
take him. Again I had to refuse, but the next day one of the boys lef|;, 
and although MoselFs name was not next in order, Mr. Washburn ad- 
vi.-ed taking him, as he had been so persistent. 

His elder brother waited nearly as long and patiently. One boy who 
has waited a long time brought me a lovely bouquet of flowers one morn- 
ing, and preferred his petition: " Please let me come to school? " It was 
hard to say no, but there was no room for him. When I told one 
woman I had no seat for her boy, she answered, " Oh he shall bring a 
seat." Then I had to tell her there was no roona for the seat, and she 
went sadly home. If it is possible, there must be another school in that 
district next year. The scholars are all ready. Who will send us a 
teacher, and pay for a room? 



11. Schools at Wilmington. 

From Hiss A. M. Bradley. 

Wilmington, N. C, Jan. 15, 1867. 

I have a school in the morning of fifty pupils, could have one hun- 
dred. JS'ext week I open the Industrial School, with the prospect of 
double that number. I shall start my Sunday School next Sabbath. 

If our people wish to win Wilmington over to the right, now is their 
opportunity. Only one thing I fear, and that is — that my health will 
not admit of my teaching. And in the eyes of the people the school for^ 



27 

learning to' read, etc., is beyond, above everything else. They cannot 
bear the thought that the colored children are learning more than the 
white children. 

From the same. 

Wilmington, jS". C, March 2, 1867. 

It is with pleasure that I take my pen to report the state of the " In- 
dustrial School," known as " The Young Ladies' Union Benevolent So- 
ciety;" which numbers thirty-three members. It was organized Jan- 
uary 30th. "The object of the Society is mutual improvement and 
benefit, and to render aid to the poor wherever we may find them." 

President, Miss Alice L. Benson. 

Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Amy L. Bradley. 

[Then follows a list of Assistant Cutters, Visiting Committee, &c.] 

This Committee is divided so that two of the number, only, accom- 
pany me oiT my visits to the poor " at a time," say, two to-day— next 
Saturday other two. Saturday is our day for visiting, as we have no 
school that day. Our days for meeting : — Monday, Wednesday and 
Friday afternoons, from half past two o'clock until five. Our first box 
which the Society sent, arrived on the 16th of February. So you will 
see that the materials for work have been wanting until then. 

January 1, 1867, I was a stranger amongst strange people, with 
clouds in the sky and frost in the natural atmosphere; also, a cloudy 
sky and a chilling atmosphere in the mental surroundings. March 1, 
1867, mark the difference ! The days are balmy and sunshiny as a May 
day, or day in June at the North ; I have a day school of seventy-five 
pupils thoroughly organized and classified; an industrial school of thir- 
ty-three, and a Sunday school. Verily our Heavenly Father has given 
His angels charge over me! Blessed be His name! 

From the same. 

Wilmington, N. C, March 16, 1867. 

Miss Gerrish is with me, and' relieves me much in my day school — 
which numbers seventy-five pupils. We have received a present from 
thirty-four gentlemen of this city, of ,199.50, which has enabled us to 
place in the hands of our pupils all needed books, besides purchasing a 
magnetic globe, and making improvements in our school-room. 

I sent you a " Journal " containing our thanks to the " contributors." 
The next day after it was published the " Dispatch " came out in very 
bitter terms against northern teachers; the result of the attack upon us 
was to raise up warmer friends. Several of the gentlemen who contrib- 
uted sent us word that they were ready to furnish more money when- 
ever it was needed. 



28 

These children are the most impressible of any that I have ever seen. 
I govern them in each school, only by kind words, and better order 
can seldom be fonnd among so large a number. 

People say that my success has created the greatest sensation possible, 
we are constantly sought and persuaded to take more scholars — but feel 
obliged to refuse. If I had the money, I should start a Primary school 
in a room quite near the schoolhouse — employing a teacher from this 
city. 

From the same. 

WiL3imGTON, N. C, March 22, 1867. 

Everything looks hoi)eful and prosperous. I am not sure, but I think 
I shall start another school, even if the S. M. S. cannot assist me. 

How? O, I feel as if it will be done! But don't Avant to say positive- 
ly until I am sure! You know that I believe Our Father will open the 
way for all things which are right for me to do! I shall work, trusting 
in Him ! I wish I could step into one of your Halls, there in Boston, 
and tell my simple story of the wants of the poor whites in this South- 
ern country! I am sure I should have money enough in a very short 
time to establish all the schools needed in this city. Truth, facts, 
always move the people of i^ew England. 

' From the same. 

Wilmington, iNT. C, April 9, 1867. 
People are beginning to visit my school, they think it wonderful with all 
those children that I do not have to whip any. But there is a greater 
power ill love! " Siilfar little children aiid forbid them not to come unto 
me,'' was the injunction of the Great Teacher, and I feel that the Spirit 
which He exerted, should be that which should govern my school. 

From the same. 

Wilmington, X. C, April 22, 1867. 

I believe I sent 3'ou word that we received a present of .?99.50 from 
citizens to assist in purchasing books for the school. Well, my school 
increased, I could not have a heart to refuse the children, until I found 
it necessary to have another teacher. Miss Martha Eush, of this city, 
took the place; and she and I have been teaching in the same room 
ever since, as I found it impossible to secure another room near the 
schoolhouse. 

Last Tuesday I thought I would see if the gentlemen here would 
help me build another recitation room. The first two men whom I saw, 
agreed to give the lumber, another all the nails, etc. Then Mr. Kidder 
found a carpenter to take the job, and I must raise the sum of S12.5 to 
pay for the work. Straightway, I took a paper and five men gave §65 
the rest I expect to obtain as soon as I start out again. 



29 

The whole will cost, I think, ^300, lumber is dear, so you will see at 
once, that for the first six months it will not be well to ask for more 
help. Do yoxi not think they have done well? ^400 (the first four 
months) they have given, and that freely, because they are satisfied 
with the work. 

People are coming in to visit us, and they exj)ress themselves freely. 
They seem perfectly astonished at the order we have, and that order 
obtained without " whipping." I wish you could see my school, the 
children are learning fast; one hundred and six in my day school, and 
one hundred and four in my Sunday school. I enjoy my work very 
much. The Sewing school also is well attended. 

.- They are making a strong effort to start free schools throughout the 
city. One gentleman, in one of their meetings to discuss the matter, re- 
ferred to Miss Bradley's school as one already fully organized, and 
recommended others to be started on the same plan. 

It is very encouraging, and gives me great pleasure to know that my 
work is appreciated. 

From Miss Clarihel Gerrish. 

WiLMiKGTON, jST. C, March 12, 1867. 

It is pitiable to see children so ignorant through neglect, not through 
depravity, which usually accompanies, if it is not the source of igno- 
rance among our children at home. At least these do not seem de- 
praved. They are sensitive to a great degree, and very impressible. 
Kind words govern them — the only fear that rules being that of giving 
up their seat to some new aj^plicant. 

The Ladies' Benevolent Society, of this city, are considering the sub- 
ject of a Free School, and Sunday one of the Clergymen preached on 
'' Education," showing the necessity of educating all classes, rich and 
poor together. 

So the influence of our work is felt — sufficient proof to us of the 
feasibility of " Eeconstruction through Education." 

From the same. 

Wilmington, jS". C, April 19, 1867. 

They look quite neat and bright, but their minds are vacant, and they 
are listless in recitation. It is necessary to teach them to think, to inspire 
them, to impart energy. After visiting nearly fifty families, we wonder 
that the children are so capable as they are, when their parents are so 
ignorant and idle, so willing to be objects of charity; when their homes 
are destitute of comfort, of everything in fact but the necessities of life. 

Although there are so many in such a deplorable condition, we do not 
find that we have been preceded by any member of a Benevolent Society 
or any Clerg^'man. 



30 



III. School at Hampton. 

From Miss E. D. Soitthwick. 

Hampton, April 18, 1867. 
I find that the plan of these gentlemen is : That all who are able, 
shall pay one dollar and a half a month; and the destitute have their 
tuition free. Some gentlemen will pay for several poor scholars, if pos- 
sible. The school shall be made worthy of sisterhood with the Memo- 
rial System of education, and become a blessing to the ignorant, sufier- 
ing mass about us. 



IV. Eelief of Destitution. 

From Miss Ellen M. Lee. 

Richmond, Ya., March 29, 1867. 

This noon, eight beaming faces trudged olT with budgets of skirts and 
outside suits. The fruit of the last barrels, received a day or two since. 
Each of the recipients had been alarmingly ragged the last week or 
two, with no home means with which to renew their tatters. 

In addition, a large package of stout gingham and cotton to a very 
intelligent Union family, who have had boys in school all winter. They 
could not easily j)ut their circumstances into w^ords, nor could I ask. 

But at last it came out how first, the watch Mrs. had before 

her marriage was sold, then bedding, furniture, and all the surplus and 
pleasant stores and supplies which gather in comfortable circumstances^ 
For " people now prosperous, once poor and indebted to us, would not, 
now the tables are turned, help us, because of my husband's well known 
and unfailingly expressed Unionism. So this winter he is refused work 
on all sides, and it has seemed as if we should starve." This I mention, 
that the good Sister-hoods, who make and send these supplies, may 
k)ioio xohat relief they are affbrding; that they may realize how it 
lightens some of the burdens, which, thank God, we Massachusetts 
women know nothing of. And when I find a refined, intelligent woman 
who has so borne and suffered for the stars and stripes, it is profoundly 
afiecting, as the needs of life are the same, whatever the status of the 
individual." 

From Col. James. 

Gordon, Fla., March 23, 1867. 
I write to let you know that the box of clothing which you sent down 
has been nearly all distributed. The contributors to it could have had 
no greater reward for the charity and kindness than the heartfelt 



31 

expressions of gratitude from the people, as they received this and 
that article. 

A poor black, whom we know to be perfectly truthful, said in a voice 
trembling with the feeling that he could not fully express, that the blanket 
that we had given him was literally the first one that he had ever received 
in his life. And could you know as we do the life this man of sixty years 
of age has led, as a slave, the incident could never be forgotten. 

Your gift, coupled with one from Mrs. Forbes of Milton, so far ex- 
ceeded the necessities of the whites in our iminediate neighborhood, that 
deeming the loyalty of the blacks whom we know to be in want, as 
worthy of reward, we have taken the liberty of distributing much of 
the clothing to them. N^othing could have been better suited to their 
wear and tear than what you sent. 

From Miss J. A. Bell 

Harker's Island, N. C, April 25, 1867. 

The members of the Soldiers' Memorial Society will please accept my 
sincere thanks for the valuable and timely supi:)ly of clothing. It was 
most assuredly a perfect Ood-send, these people were sadly destitute. 

I have an army of little ragged boys and girls " working for clothes." 
The parents think it is " mighty hard, when things are sent to poor 
folks, that they cannot get -them withoiit working like niggers for 
them." There is no help for them, work they must or die. The articles 
are just what are needed,* stout material that will not soon wear out. 
These children cannot earn their clothing, they think they do, which 
amounts to the same thing. They will prize them more highly than if 
they were given to them, besides it stimulates their ambition. I have a 
nice little lot of thirty live acres, to employ them on. 

From Miss A. Aiken. 

Petersburg, Ya., May 28, 1867. 

It is with great pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of your box of 
valuable clothing, which reached me on Friday (24th) in good order, 
according to invoice. We have had so very little for our school, this 
winter, it gives me much satisfaction to be able to do something for them 
before leaving. The little dresses and chemises will be so acceptable, 
the distribution of them will make quite a holiday of to-morrow, for 
both them and myself. 

I was extremely glad of the larger dresses, — two of them have been 
given to Nelly and her daughter Peggy, who before the war were faith- 
ful house servants of a wealthy family, and were treated with unusual 
kindness as such, since when, being cast oft', they have wandered from 
place to place, giving their services for the past year to some one in the 
country who cheated them out of their recompense. So they had still 



32 

but the one rcork-dress, (or coat as they call it,) of the peculiar material 
formerly made- for them, looking as if worn since they left " their house 
of bondage." Peggy's eyes sparkled with delight at the thoughts of a 
new dress, but !N^elly's with tears, her old heart so worn with siiffering 
and trouble that a little joy causes it to overflow. 

It would be useless to repeat to you, whose hearts have opened by the 
knowledge of their needs and wrongs, the sad history of each recipient, 
but be assured that every article which your box contained will give 
comfort, and assist in lessening that need and sufiering with which a 
majority of these people are still suffering, and that my heart is very 
grateful for the happiness of being your almoner. 

Very sincerely yours, 

A. Aiken. 

From Mrs. M. C. Ringgold. 

Charleston, S. C, Dec. 31, 18G6. 

The box and its contents arrived safely. They were most acceptable, 
particularly the dresses; two of them were given to two ladies who once 
were well off in the goods of this world, but who were too glad to get 
them. 

Say to the rich ladies of Boston, that whenever they have a cast off 
dress, they cannot do better than send it here to the poor. 

From the same. , 

Charleston, S. C, Feb. 14, 1867. 

Who are the inmates of the House of Industry? 

About eighty grown people and twenty little children, many from the 
most respectable grades of life: one, a lady quite in advanced life, the 
widow of a Commodore in the navy; another, the aged widow of an 
old army officer; and others, who have always been plain, honest hard 
working people, biit whose savings have become converted into confed- 
erate paper. 

From the same. 

Charleston, S. C, June 24, 1867. 
A day since, a poor freed woman came in from the country, with five 
children, all in a state of starvation, and naked, to these I gave clothing 
and food. 



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